Fans and retailers aren't the only people upset that DC has hired very vocal gay rights denier Orson Scott Card to write the digital-first Adventures of Superman comic; artist Chris Sprouse, who was due to illustrate Card's take specifically, has just quit the book due to the controversy. Sprouse gave a statement earlier today:

"It took a lot of thought to come to this conclusion, but I've decided to step back as the artist on this story. The media surrounding this story reached the point where it took away from the actual work, and that's something I wasn't comfortable with. My relationship with DC Comics remains as strong as ever and I look forward to my next project with them."

Due to Sprouse's departure, the first issue (out May #29) will now feature a story by Jeff Lemire and artist Chris Samnee instead of Card's, as DC search for a new artist who is comfortable with this extremely uncomfortable situation.